August and September Wrap Up

This is going to be my August and September wrap up as I was on my honeymoon when the August one was due and didn’t have much to share that month anyway. Other things were taking priority at that time… So anyway, here’s what I’ve read over the past couple of months, and what I thought:

My August and September Wrap Up

I have to say I am not a fan of this one… I was a fan of the Harry Potter series growing up (I even have a picture of me in the newspaper staying up till midnight to be one of the first people to buy the first film on VIDEO the day it was released!), but this just did not feel like a Harry Potter book to me. I get that it’s written in the style of a play and so doesn’t read the same as a typical novel, but it’s more than that. The characters themselves seemed out of character, the rich background that J.K. Rowling had built was barely there to be found, and it just didn’t even seem like she had anything to do with it. Honestly, it felt like a piece of fan fiction and it’s not something I’m likely to read again.

After reading The Last Anniversary, I was eager to read another of Liane Moriaty’s books. The story revolves around a secret Cecelia’s husband has revealed in a letter to her with instructions that it only be opened after his death. Having discovered the letter, and after mounting suspicion surrounding her husbands strange behaviour, Cecelia decides to read the letter. This happens fairly early on in the book and the rest of the pages involve what Cecelia is going to do about the revelation. Of course, as with The Last Anniversary, there are multiple other characters, each with their own issues (it was sometimes difficult to keep track of which character was who). But in the end everyone comes together for the big showdown confession. Another enjoyable read from Moriaty but I do prefer The Last Anniversary.

This was okay. I read this during 2 twelve hour flights to and from my honeymoon destination so there wasn’t a lot else to do, otherwise I might have put this book down and not picked it up again. It didn’t particularly grip me and the plot was a bit ridiculous and unbelievable at times (the events leading up to the grandmother moving out and the sheer fact that it is she that moves out and not anyone else – not wanting to spoil the story for anyone that hasn’t read it, but for those that have you know what I’m talking about). Essentially According To Yes is about an English nanny that goes to live with a New York family who are not being entirely truthful about who they are and what they want. They’ve been stifled by the overbearing Grandmother, who acts out of her own insecurities and fears. The nanny comes along and I want to say she turns their worlds upside-down but really she sets them the right way up. It’s different from other books that I’ve read in the sense that it heavily focuses on the characters relationships, both with each other and with themselves. The self-reflection they each go through was interesting, but this is another book I can’t see myself re-reading.

Speaking of re-reading… If you saw my TBR for the month you’ll know I’ve decided to re-read the Harry Potter series (minus the 8th book..). Although I didn’t enjoy The Cursed Child, it did reignite my love for the Harry Potter world. I normally read this series around the Autumn time every couple of years or so but haven’t done for quite some time. I don’t know why but this time of year always feels kinda magical and like the perfect time to read Harry Potter. Maybe it’s because it’s so easy to get into, the writing is fantastic and I just want to be snuggled under a blanket reading it with a cup of tea in hand, a candle burning and dreaming of life at Hogwarts. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book, I flew through it in a couple of days, forgetting how quick it is to read. I’m sure everyone has already either read the book or watched the film, but to summarise: Harry Potter is a wizard. He is famous in the magical world for overthrowing a Dark Lord whilst still a baby, despite the evil Lord Voldemort killing both his parents just minutes before. Upon attending his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Harry dives straight into adventure with his 2 best friends. Realising someone is after the Philosopher’s Stone, the three of them do what they can to uncover who is after it and how to stop them, culminating in Harry going up against Lord Voldemort once again.

So that’s everything I’ve read over the past couple of months, don’t forget to follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m currently reading as well as what is on my To Be Read list.